Larry Reynolds, Denton, TX

Colossians 3:12-14 listed eight virtues God desires to produce in us. Verses 15-17 spell out a threefold the result of allowing God to produce in us these eight beautiful qualities. If we are characterized by these qualities, we will: 

1. Live in “the peace of Christ” (v.15) - The first part of v.15 says “...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...” The word translated “peace” does not mean the mere absence of conflict. It means to have a spirit of calmness, of serenity in the midst of conflict. This kind of peace is not dependent on what is happening around us. It is dependent on what is happening inside of us.  is one of the great statements in the New Testament. 
2. Dwell in “the word of Christ” (v.16) – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...”  The phrase “word of Christ” means the message about Jesus and the message from Jesus. We learn this message from the Scripture. We are to allow the “word of Christ” to “dwell” within us, which means “the word of Christ” will find a resting place, a home, a permanent abode in us. Notice the verse says that the “word of Christ” is not merely to “dwell” in us. Instead, it should “richly (abundantly or extravagantly) dwell” in us! That is, we are to allow God’s Word to permeate every nook and cranny of our lives. When that happens, our relationship with others impacted (“teach and admonish one another”) and our relationship with God is impacted (“sing with thankfulness in our hearts to God”).
3. Work “in the name” of Christ (v.17) - Colossians 3:17 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”  “Doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus” means that everything we do is done in the keen awareness that our lives are intertwined with Jesus.

For more detailed notes on Colossians go to http://www.larryreynolds.org-a.googlepages.com/home)